Infiniti M35 Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost

Know what price you should pay to get your vehicle fixed.

The average cost for an Infiniti M35 Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement is between $76 and $92. Labor costs are estimated between $52 and $67 while parts are priced between $24 and $25. Estimate does not include taxes and fees.

What is an oil pressure sensor?

Engine oil is pressurized inside the oil passages of an engine, and the oil pressure sensor is responsible for monitoring and reporting the amount of engine oil pressure present at all times.

How does the oil pressure sensor work?

Engine oil is kept in the engine oil pan on most engines, and an external oil reservoir on many high performance engines. In either case, the oil is pumped into the engine faster than the engine can use the oil. This creates a constant pressure as the oil is pushed through oil passages. The oil passages use targeted outlets to send oil to precise locations which need protection. Oil is less of a lubricant, and more of a barrier, as it prevents metal contact between internal engine components. When that barrier is weak, metal contact will occur at an increasing rate, relative to the rate of oil degradation. The barrier the oil creates is weakened or completely compromised without oil pressure. Oil pressure forces oil into the tight areas as fast as the oil is used. This means, when the oil pressure is too low, the component will run out of oil, and damage occurs. The oil pressure sensor protects from damage by alerting the computer when the oil pressure has dropped, and the computer will make changes to protect the engine.

What are the symptoms related to a bad oil pressure sensor?

When the oil pressure sensor fails, the signal that it sends to the engine's computer will be inaccurate, causing the engine's computer to behave as through the oil pressure is too high or too low. This may cause the check engine light to illuminate on the instrument cluster, and the on-board diagnostic (OBD) trouble codes will reflect the readings of the faulty oil pressure sensor. Also, the engine may be placed in reduced power mode for engine protection.

Can I drive with a oil pressure sensor problem?

When the engine oil pressure sensor reports low engine oil pressure, the vehicle can not be driven. The engine may start and run normally, but if the oil pressure reading is low, driving the vehicle is taking a chance. Until the oil pressure sensor is diagnosed as faulty, the vehicle should be towed.

How often do oil pressure sensors need to be replaced?

Engine oil pressure sensors may fail after a few thousand miles or even last the lifetime of the vehicle. Most vehicles will never have an issue with the pressure sensor, and changing engine oil and engine oil filter on time may help prevent premature failure.

How are oil pressure sensor issues diagnosed?

When diagnosing a possible loss of oil pressure, the technician will check the oil level first, then the engine will be inspected for engine oil leaks. This is because running low on oil can cause loss of oil pressure, and oil starvation issues. If the oil is full, and there are no leaks, the technician will connect to the vehicle with a computerized scanner to read sensor data, and compare that to actual conditions. Before the technician can suspect any mechanical failure, or start the engine, the engine oil pressure sensor must be proven to function properly. The technician will test the oil pressure sensor and associated electrical circuit, and determine if the sensor should be replaced. If the sensor is reporting correctly, the technician will suspect the engine oil pump, which necessitates removal of the oil pan, and physical inspection.

Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement Cost Estimates

The average cost for an Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement is between $76 and $92 but can vary from car to car.

How is an oil pressure sensor replaced?

After a diagnosis is made, if the oil pressure sensor is faulty, it will be resealed (if required) and replaced. If the engine oil pump is suspected, the engine oil pan must be removed. The oil will be drained, and all obstructions must be removed. The oil pan is unbolted, the seal is broken, and the oil pump is confirmed faulty. The new oil pump will be installed according to manufacturer specification, and the oil pan will be replaced. Once all obstructions are replaced, the engine oil is filled, and the engine is turned with the starter without ignition power. If oil pressure builds, the engine can be started and tested.

OBD codes related to Oil Pressure Sensor Replacement

RepairPal Recommendations for oil pressure sensor issues

After the oil pressure indicator light comes on, we do not recommend starting the engine until oil pressure can be confirmed. Continued use of the vehicle after the warning has come on may result in a seized engine due to oil starvation.

What to look out for when dealing with oil pressure sensor issues

There are many types, grades, and certifications of engine oil. Before adding oil to your engine, be sure to check the manufacturer's recommendations. Consulting your owner's manual is the best way to ensure you are using the correct fluids for your vehicle. Modern engines are especially sensitive to the kind of lubricants used. If there is any uncertainty of what to top off with, contact your local certified shop.

Can I replace the oil pressure sensor myself?

Oil pressure warning lights should be left to a professional in most circumstances. There is always the possibility that the oil pressure sensor went bad, but without proper testing, starting the vehicle becomes a gamble. Professional technicians have the computerized scan tools available to perform diagnostics and repair without causing further damage.